Kelvin Grove vs Paddington
Annual running cost comparison for Brisbane home buyers · 2025–26 data
Data updated July 2025 · Council rates, water, commute (ATO 88c/km), and home insurance
Annual running cost breakdown
| Cost component | Kelvin Grove | Paddington |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | $1,519 | $1,519 |
| Water & sewerage | $1,824 | $1,824 |
| Annual commute (driving) | $228 | $245 |
| Home insurance (estimated) | $1,700 | $1,950 |
| Total annual cost | $5,271 | $5,538 |
| Distance to CBD | 2.7 km | 2.9 km |
Teal = lower cost. Council rates from Brisbane City Council 2025-26 and Brisbane City Council 2025-26. Commute uses ATO 88c/km over ABS annual kilometres by location class. Insurance AI-estimated; actual premiums vary.
Cost breakdown detail
Both suburbs fall under Brisbane City Council 2025-26, paying the same general rate of $1,519 per year.
Driving commute costs are similar: $228 per year from Kelvin Grove and $245 from Paddington to Brisbane CBD.
Schools and risk profile
| Factor | Kelvin Grove | Paddington |
|---|---|---|
| School score (ICSEA) | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Nearest state primary | Petrie Terrace State School | Milton State School |
| Nearest private school | St Ambrose's Primary School | St Finbarr's School |
| Flood risk | Low | Low |
| Fire risk | Low | Medium |
Paddington has the stronger school profile at 9.5/10 versus 9.1/10 for Kelvin Grove (ICSEA scale, higher = better). Nearest state primaries: Petrie Terrace State School (Kelvin Grove) and Milton State School (Paddington).
Kelvin Grove carries low flood risk and low fire risk. Paddington has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe and QFES mapping.
Who each suburb suits
- Buyers watching costs: Kelvin Grove saves $267 per year
- City commuters: 2.7 km to CBD vs 2.9 km
- Buyers who want lower flood and fire risk
- Families prioritising school scores: 9.5/10
Frequently asked questions
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Which is cheaper to live in, Kelvin Grove or Paddington?
Kelvin Grove and Paddington are within $267 of each other annually for a house. At that margin, commute direction and school scores will drive the decision more than running cost.
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How far is Kelvin Grove from Brisbane CBD compared to Paddington?
Kelvin Grove is 2.7 km from Brisbane CBD. Paddington is 2.9 km from Brisbane CBD. Annual driving commute costs are $228 and $245 respectively, using the ATO 88 cents per kilometre rate over standard working days.
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Which suburb has better schools, Kelvin Grove or Paddington?
Paddington rates higher on ICSEA school quality data at 9.5/10 versus 9.1/10 for Kelvin Grove. The nearest state primary in Kelvin Grove is Petrie Terrace State School; in Paddington it is Milton State School. Source: ACARA ICSEA 2025.
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What are the flood and fire risks in Kelvin Grove versus Paddington?
Kelvin Grove has low flood risk and low fire risk. Paddington has low flood risk and medium fire risk. Source: Queensland Globe flood mapping and QFES bushfire prone land data.
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What are council rates in Kelvin Grove compared to Paddington?
Annual council rates for a house in Kelvin Grove are $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). In Paddington the rate is $1,519 (Brisbane City Council 2025-26). Water and sewerage charges add $1,824 in Kelvin Grove and $1,824 in Paddington per year.
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Is Kelvin Grove or Paddington better for families?
Paddington scores higher on schools at 9.5/10 versus 9.1/10. Kelvin Grove has lower combined flood and fire risk. Those two factors point in different directions for this pair.
Individual suburb profiles
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